Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes OEM Pads VS. Mintex AF

Any opinions on which is better? THe OEM Pads from Ford vs. the Mintex AF.

Thanks,

Karlo

I have the very same question, OE is guarenteed to be good but $$$ Mintex ?? but less $$

I've been real happy with the "premium" pads from Advance or AutoZone. (Cant remember which one ) They are very low dust and after 20K I dont have a single wear groove in my new disks. They were about $10 more than the OEM pads and so far, my brakes are very smooth and strong. In another 20K, I'm not sure if I'll "upgrade" to Mintex or buy these again (around $35/front).

I have the AF's and I am very happy with them. They are better than OE. The only thing that I noticed is that they must have a higher coefficient of friction at higher temperatures. Coming to a stop from high speed with cold brakes I have found that I need to gradually reduce pedal pressure in order to slow the car at a constant rate. If I just hold the brake pedal at a constant pressure the rate of decelleration increases. This did not occur with the OE pads. Once thay warm up, they stop very well and are more consistant.

Dave
'98.5 SE V6 Mtx

What is the warm up time? Just driving around, stop and going?
Andy

When the pad comes in contact with the rotor it creates heat.

Better pads grip better when they get hot.

Cheaper pads get worse when they heat up and cause what is referred to as "Brake Fade"

More on the AF's: They are in fact quite good cold. Initial bite is more abrupt than OE. I just notice that they get better with heat requiring extra modulation on "cold" stops. One good stop from 60mph and they are up to full potential.

I have Mintex A/F's with the BAT econo rotors and the biggest difference you'll notice with the Mintex is the lack of brake dust. Other than that it's was a decent step up in performance for a minimul price.

I like the A/Fs also. less dust, better fade resistance, good price...I'm very happy with them...